Published: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 07:32 AM.

CRESTVIEW — After months of meetings, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge announced Tuesday that it officially has agreed to take over the Sasquatch Zoo.

Refuge Director Amanda Wilkerson and Debbie Mattox, owner and founder of Sasquatch Zoo, have been discussing the takeover since October 2011.

“This was a huge decision for the board (of directors at the refuge),” Wilkerson said Tuesday at the zoo in Dorcas. “We’re still working on a plan, but the integrity of the zoo will remain the same. The grand opening should be sometime next spring.”

The zoo was purchased by a private donor and was given to the refuge, Wilkerson said.

Animals at the zoo will stay put, Wilkerson said. Also, animal ambassadors in the refuge’s care such as a coyote, fox and bobcat will be brought to join the Sasquatch Zoo family.

The zoo will remain open under Mattox until late December, when it will close for minor repairs. Wilkerson said refuge workers will begin helping to repair exhibits and will begin major projects in January.

In addition to sprucing up exhibits and adding new ones for their animal ambassadors, the refuge will add a botanical garden and spray park at the zoo. Education programs and interactive initiatives such as summer camp for children will also be integrated into the zoo.

CRESTVIEW — After months of meetings, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge announced Tuesday that it officially has agreed to take over the Sasquatch Zoo.

Refuge Director Amanda Wilkerson and Debbie Mattox, owner and founder of Sasquatch Zoo, have been discussing the takeover since October 2011.

“This was a huge decision for the board (of directors at the refuge),” Wilkerson said Tuesday at the zoo in Dorcas. “We’re still working on a plan, but the integrity of the zoo will remain the same. The grand opening should be sometime next spring.”

The zoo was purchased by a private donor and was given to the refuge, Wilkerson said.

Animals at the zoo will stay put, Wilkerson said. Also, animal ambassadors in the refuge’s care such as a coyote, fox and bobcat will be brought to join the Sasquatch Zoo family.

The zoo will remain open under Mattox until late December, when it will close for minor repairs. Wilkerson said refuge workers will begin helping to repair exhibits and will begin major projects in January.

In addition to sprucing up exhibits and adding new ones for their animal ambassadors, the refuge will add a botanical garden and spray park at the zoo. Education programs and interactive initiatives such as summer camp for children will also be integrated into the zoo.

“This is a great addition to our organization because it gives us a presence on the north end (of the county),” Wilkerson said. “We’ll still have our south end rehab facility and this will remain the zoological part or our organization.”

Wilkerson said the transition will not change the way the refuge works. People should continue to call the refuge about wildlife and to bring animals to the shelter on Okaloosa Island.

Mattox will remain with the zoo to work as a partner with Wilkerson for the next three years during the transition to new ownership.

“I’m totally excited,” Mattox said. “The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge taking over is the greatest thing that could ever happen to the zoo, and I will be fully involved as I have always been.”